Pertussis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is pertussis?

• Pertussis is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It is also called whooping cough. With pertussis, air passages narrow and get plugged with thick sputum (spit). This may cause you to have coughing spells. Pertussis is usually less serious in adults and most serious in babies and young children.
  
  
• Adults often spread the illness to children who have not had shots (immunizations) to prevent pertussis. These shots are called DPT shots and protect children against diphtheria (D), pertussis (P), and tetanus (T). Teenagers and young adults lose DPT protection as they age. They can have pertussis if they have contact with someone who has it.

What causes pertussis? Pertussis is caused by a germ called a bacteria. It is easily spread in the air from someone with pertussis who coughs or sneezes. It may take 3 to 21 days to get pertussis after coming in contact with the bacteria. This time is called the incubation period.

What are the signs and symptoms of pertussis? Pertussis begins like a cold. You may have the following signs and symptoms:

• A cough that may worsen after 7 to 14 days. When the coughing ends and you take a breath, you may make a "whooping" noise. You may also cough up thick mucus after a coughing spell. You may cough for several weeks to months after you begin to feel better.
  
  
• Higher than normal body temperature.
  
  
• No interest in eating or drinking, vomiting (throwing up) because of the coughing.
  
  
• Red or watery eyes.
  
  
• Sneezing and a runny, stuffy nose.
  
  
• Sweating.
  
  
• Tiredness, often after a coughing spell.

How is pertussis treated?

• Antibiotic medicine: Antibiotic medicine may be given after your cough begins.
  
  
• Drink extra liquids: Drink small amounts of fluids every hour when awake. This will help prevent you from becoming dehydrated. Dehydration is caused by not drinking enough liquid or by losing too much body water. Body water can be lost with diarrhea, vomiting, or high fevers. Signs of dehydration include dry skin and mouth and dark urine or less urine than usual. Good liquids for most people to drink are water, some fruit juices, and decaffeinated sports drinks. Limit the amount of caffeine that you drink. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, and in some soda pops and sports drinks and foods. Read the food and drink labels to learn if they contain caffeine.
  
  
• Fever: You can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin for fever.
  
  
• Food: Eat a variety of healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat, and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. It may also help you get better faster. If you are not hungry or tire easily, eat smaller amounts more often.
  
  
• Hospital: If you have heart or lung problems, you may need to go into the hospital for tests and treatment.
  
  
• Rest: Rest as much as possible until you begin to feel better.

How can I keep from spreading pertussis to others?

• Stay away from others if you have had contact with someone who has pertussis. You should also stay away from others if you have signs or symptoms of pertussis. Do not return to work until your caregiver has said it is OK.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver if family members or others need to receive antibiotic medicine or a DPT booster. This may prevent them getting pertussis.

How can pertussis be prevented?

• To learn more about vaccinations (shots), contact the following organization:
  • The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
    1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
    Atlanta, GA 30333
    Phone: 1-800-232-4636
    Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
    
  
  
  

What are the risks of having pertussis? Pertussis is very easily spread to others. It can also cause other serious health problems, such as pneumonia. Follow your caregiver's instructions. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about the medicine or your care.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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